Nation’s Governors Hail Ford PAS Program

Project is a collaboration of Ford and EDC

NEWTON, MA | February 27, 2007

In honoring Ford Motor Company with its Public-Private Partnership Award, the National Governor’s Association singled out the development and growth of the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS), developed by Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with EDC.

Ford PAS is a high school program for the 21st century designed to engage and excite students in business, science, technology, engineering, design and math while building critical problem-solving and innovative thinking and learning skills. Ford PAS, originating in Michigan, is currently used in 130 sites across 21 states and has reached more than 10,000 students since its inception.

“As educators and employers across the country seek ways to prepare
young people to carry on the American tradition of innovation, Ford PAS
students are developing the knowledge, skills, and creative capacity to
become the leaders for this century,” said EDC’s Ford PAS project
director, Ilene Kantrov. “EDC is proud to be a partner with Ford Motor
Company Fund in this program.”

EDC provides ongoing
technical assistance, in partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund, for
all sites and partners implementing Ford PAS by hosting an interactive
Web site and toll-free hotline and offering a variety of professional
development activities. Ford Motor Company Fund and EDC also work with
states, districts, and colleges and universities to build
collaborations that enhance the success of Ford PAS within schools and
communities.

“This award is a great opportunity for us to
recognize forward-thinking partnerships between states and
corporations,” said NGA Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Ford
Motor Company was chosen for the award by an independent selection
committee. Areas of consideration included education, environment,
health care and public safety.